Northeast Desk, 24th July: In an innovative move to promote agriculture and set a positive example, all government employees in Pakyong District, Sikkim, will now dedicate every Friday to cultivating barren lands within their office premises. This initiative aims to inspire the public and demonstrate the benefits of agricultural practices.
A circular from the Office of the Additional District Collector (Development), Rural Development Department, Pakyong, mandates that government offices—including Block Administrative Centers (BACs), Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs), and Sub-Division Offices—observe “Field Day” every Friday from 10 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. During these hours, employees will work on growing seasonal crops on land that has remained uncultivated for years.
For offices lacking their own land, employees are encouraged to seek permission from nearby private landowners to cultivate unused plots. This effort is designed to motivate local landowners and the broader community to engage in agricultural activities.
Participation in the Field Day is mandatory, and no leave will be granted on Fridays except for medical reasons. Employees absent without a valid excuse will be marked as Leave Without Pay (LWP). To monitor compliance, employees must submit photographs and attendance records of each Field Day to the ADC (Dev.) Pakyong’s office. Surprise visits will be conducted to ensure adherence, and offices are required to display signboards detailing the cultivated fields.
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